What is Packing?
Packing is the process of preparing a product for both storage and transportation by securing it into a box or container. It involves different methods; which can be cushioning, wrapping, sealing, weather-proofing etc.
There are several different types of materials that are used for packing of products. The materials could range from cellophane, cardboard, bubble-wrap to foam-packaging. Primary objective of packing is to provide cover a product and stop it from getting damaged or moving around during shipment.
Packing of a product can be considered effective only if there are no instances of leakage, breakage, pilferage etc.
Importance of Packing
The main objective of packing is to make sure that the product that is to be shipped to the retailers or customers reaches in intact condition.
It is likely that in the course of shipping, transportation or loading, the product may suffer damage. It becomes even more probable if the product is fragile.
If the product is damaged, the same may be returned to the manufacturer, or the end customer may claim reimbursement. In any event, it will disrupt the flow of business and service delivery. Hence, proper packing is necessary before transportation of products.
Here is a trivia on packing for you!
Origin of product packing was found in Egypt approximately 3500 years ago.
The oldest form of packing was with mulberry bark containers and glass. Branding and design came into existence much later in the 1890s, while Peter Durand obtained first patent for metal packaging in 1823.
What is Packaging?
Even though packaging is one element of packing, it goes beyond simply storing or transporting products. The storing and wrapping is done in an attractive manner which helps in marketing as well. Customers make purchase decisions based on how well a product is presented.
The customer engagement may lead to generation of higher sales, and may also acquire customers from an organisation’s competitors.
Packaging is of three types – Primary, Secondary, Tertiary.
1. Primary
Marketers use primary packaging for selling products to end customers. Here, products come in direct contact with retailers or consumers. The packaging acts to contain, preserve and inform customers.
Primary packaging can comprise more than one components. For instance, a bottle of wine containing the alcohol as well as the outside label will fall under primary packaging.
2. Secondary
Secondary packaging involves product transportation from one end to another. Its main objective in a display of branding and aiding in logistics.
Secondary packaging is more prominent in food and beverage industry. Such packaging displays numerous units that also helps in re-stocking from inventory to a shelf. It may include counter-top-display units, shelf-ready packaging and retail-ready packaging.
This packaging has high standard finish with well-thought-out design and branding. It plays an integral part in marketing chain. For instance, beer carry packs have secondary packaging.
3. Tertiary
Tertiary packaging focuses on handling and protection of sales units so that everything is grouped during units loads for transit. This packaging usually does not have a consumer interface.
For instance, tertiary packaging of beer is more likely to be a hardened carton with sufficient padding.
Importance of Packaging?
Packaging of a product is directly related to marketing and may lead to brand enhancement. Product packaging plays a critical role in consumer purchase decisions. How a product is packaged can communicate the values of the company as well as what the product can do for its customers.
Product packaging is also crucial for differentiating the brand from its competitors, especially at a time when there are hundreds of same products that are vying for customer’s attention.
Industry research indicates that even the colour of packaging has a bearing on purchase decisions made by consumers. Right packaging creates brand recognition and can be leveraged as an important marketing tool.
These classifications in packaging manifest the inherent difference between packing and packaging.
Packing vs Packaging
Find out the Difference between Packing and Packaging below.
If you want to know more about difference between packing and packaging, refer to the online materials available in Vedantu’s platform.
FAQs on Packing vs. Packaging: Key Differences
1. What is the primary difference between packing and packaging in business studies?
The primary difference lies in their core purpose. Packing is a functional process focused on protecting goods for safe transportation and storage, using materials like cartons and bubble wrap. Packaging, on the other hand, is a broader marketing tool that involves designing the product's container to attract customers, provide information, and build brand identity.
2. Can you provide a real-world example to explain the difference between packing and packaging?
Certainly. Consider a tube of toothpaste. The branded tube itself and the small cardboard box it comes in are examples of packaging; they are designed to attract you and hold the product. The large corrugated carton that transports hundreds of these toothpaste boxes from the factory to a supermarket is an example of packing, as its main purpose is protection during transit.
3. Is packing simply a part of packaging? Explain their relationship.
Yes, from a business strategy perspective, packing can be considered a functional component of the overall packaging strategy. Packaging encompasses the entire presentation of a product, from its primary container to its marketing message. Packing specifically refers to the final, outer layer (transportation packaging) used to ensure the product's safety during handling and shipping. Therefore, packing is a subset of the broader packaging concept.
4. What are the main functions of packaging for a product as per the CBSE syllabus?
According to the business studies curriculum, the main functions of packaging are:
- Product Identification: It helps a product stand out from competitors on the shelf.
- Product Protection: It guards the product against spoilage, breakage, or leakage.
- Facilitating Use of the Product: It makes the product convenient to open, handle, and use.
- Product Promotion: It acts as a marketing tool to attract customers and communicate brand values.
5. Why is packaging often called a 'silent salesman'?
Packaging is called a 'silent salesman' because it performs many of the same functions as a human salesperson, but non-verbally at the point of purchase. A well-designed package attracts attention, describes the product's features and benefits, builds customer confidence, and persuades the customer to make a purchase. It is often the first and only communication a brand has with a consumer in a retail environment.
6. What are the different levels of packaging a product might have?
In commerce, packaging is typically categorized into three levels:
- Primary Packaging: This is the product's immediate container or wrapper, such as a plastic pouch for chips or a bottle for a soft drink.
- Secondary Packaging: This is the additional layer of protection that holds the primary package, like a cardboard box holding a soap bar. It is often what the consumer sees on the retail shelf.
- Transportation Packaging: Also referred to as 'packing', this is the outer carton or crate used for shipping, storage, and handling in bulk.
7. How does packaging influence a customer's decision to buy a product?
Packaging significantly influences a customer's buying decision by shaping their perception of the product. An attractive, high-quality package can signal a high-quality product inside, creating a positive first impression. It provides crucial information, such as ingredients and instructions, which helps build trust. Furthermore, innovative or convenient packaging can provide a competitive advantage and directly lead to a sale by making the product more appealing and easier to use than alternatives.
8. How do the material choices for packing differ from those for packaging?
Material choices are driven by function. For packing, the focus is on durability, protection, and cost-effectiveness for transport. Common materials include corrugated boxes, wooden crates, and cushioning materials like foam or air pillows. For packaging, materials are chosen for aesthetics, brand image, and consumer safety in addition to protection. This includes high-quality printed cardboard, glass, custom-shaped plastics, and metallic foils that enhance visual appeal and perceived value.
